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Author Topic: Infrared camera conversion  (Read 3964 times)

360NikonD300

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Infrared camera conversion
« on: October 02, 2011, 09:23:36 am »

I am working on a project in medical school involving the use of infrared cameras in vascular diagnoses. This needs to be done on the cheap because the focus is for third world use so I don't want to have to send the camera to a company like lifepixel for conversion. The question is, does anyone have a recommendation for the cheapest digital camera that is easy to convert to infrared by the user (i.e., hot mirror removal and replacement with a IR 720 filter).
Thanks!
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jonathanlung

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Re: Infrared camera conversion
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2011, 01:13:52 pm »

Would picking up older cameras with poor IR filters on the sensor and using longer exposures with a IR-permissive filter fit the bill?
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360NikonD300

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Re: Infrared camera conversion
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2011, 09:51:13 am »

Older digital cameras do have less IR filtering, but unless the hot mirror filter over the sensor is removed, it's not an ideal situation. Removing the hot mirror filter and replacing it with an IR720 filter provides the best solution. There is expensive medical equipment out there that utilizes IR for vein detection. The idea is to do it cheaply, if possible, with older inexpensive digital camera conversions. Of course, the camera can be sent out for professional conversion, but that defeats the purpose of finding a cheap third world solution.
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jonathanlung

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Re: Infrared camera conversion
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2011, 08:33:05 pm »

How about a Sigma SD14/SD15? They have a user-removable hot mirror. Alternately, using a filter with a cheap security camera that uses IR. I don't know much about electronics, but Sparkfun is selling low resolution IR camera modules for $35: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8773 . If you're good with that sort of thing or can find someone that is, perhaps that's sufficient?
« Last Edit: October 03, 2011, 08:41:43 pm by jonathanlung »
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pindman

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Re: Infrared camera conversion
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2011, 12:01:06 am »

May I suggest contacting Lifepixel and MaxMax and asking if they might support your project?  Often companies have cameras and equipment lying around that they'd be happy to donate to a good cause.  They get a tax write off and get to help a worthy project.

Recently I was in Ghana on a medical trip and wanted to get some laparoscopes to a hospital there.  In a week a had many ready to send.

Best of luck with your project!

Paul  (M.D. but not when I'm doing photography)
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joneil

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Re: Infrared camera conversion
« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2011, 12:04:50 pm »

   there are several companies and even do it yourself web site for modification and removal of the IR filter.  In astro-photography, it is common to see guys with modified IR filter removed cameras so that you can pick up the light form nebulae better.   Below is one link for a company i have never used but was once recommended to me:

http://www.hapg.org/camera%20mods.htm

   As you can see, sometimes people will have a specific wavelength of filter replaced, or you can lave the IR filter off completely.   I think if you contact these people and let me know your needs, they or others can fix you up.

  Now the reason I suggest this, even though you need it done "on the cheap" is because I have talked to people who have don it themselves, and they have, in thier own words, "mucked it up".

 However, if you are feeling brave, here is a do-it-yourself web site:

http://astrosurf.com/buil/d70/ircut.htm


   There are other web sites for do-it-yourself, but IMO, all equally as scary.  :)  I know you need to save money, but even with a point and shoot, it's easy to mess it up.

  Now the other option - a lot of us used to use webcams on telescopes with the IR filter removed.  Some still do.   It is often easy to take out the IR filter from a webcam, but you need it connected to a computer (usually via USB), and I am not sure a webcam has the resolution you need.  But as for cheap, heck, used webcam at a flea market or off craigslist, it's about as dirt cheap as you get.

   to find a website that describes how to do it, just google "webcam astronomy"  and you'll find plenty of do-it-yourself.


good luck



« Last Edit: October 06, 2011, 12:13:03 pm by joneil »
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rcarpenter3d

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Re: Infrared camera conversion
« Reply #6 on: October 06, 2011, 03:26:33 pm »

Thanks for the additional info joneil

edwinb

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Re: Infrared camera conversion
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2011, 03:42:28 pm »

some video cameras have a 'night vision'  mode which is infra red which might be a very cheap portable option if the resolution is ok for you
search on ebay - sometimes prescribed for ghost hunting!

edwin
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